The 40th annual Chicano Park Day Celebration this Saturday commemorates Barrio Logan’s historic stand to create a park underneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. The spontaneous protests that began on April 22, 1970, brought about a park now internationally known for its unique back story and stunning murals.

THE THEME

“40 Años de la Tierra Mia: Aqui Estamos, y No Nos Vamos” (“40 Years of Celebrating Our Land: We Are Here and We Aren’t Going Anywhere”).

THE MURALS

Artists who had participated in the protests began painting murals honoring the Mexican and Chicano experience. In the words of Victor Ochoa, one of the initial artists, “Art is like an open book of history and culture. The park has a spiritual significance to the community.”

THE CELEBRATION

WORDS AND MOVEMENT

The opening blessing, dance performances and speeches will take place at the Kiosko stage. At noon, the annual raising of the Chicano flag will precede the keynote address by Colorado educator Nita Gonzales.

At 12:45 p.m., Danza Azteca will perform. Rosa Olga Navarro is leader of the group Toltecas en Aztlán, which coordinates the yearly event. “Aztec dance is very intricate and the dancers have beautiful costumes,” she said. “During our special Chicano Park ceremonies, 150 dancers of all ages — from other states and Mexico — join us.” Danza Azteca will also be at Chicano Park on Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The public is welcome to observe this free, spiritually based event.

A very different dance troupe will take the stage at 3:40 p.m. Mujeres en Resistencia range in age from 26-36. Member Angélica Ruiz said the collective calls their dance form Zapatiado de Rebelde. “It is rooted in Mexican dance and shares a vision with the Zapatistas,” she said.

Several ballet folklórico troupes are featured as well.

NONSTOP ACTIVITIES

A free children’s art workshop is coordinated by muralist Ochoa, who is helped by students from his class at Grossmont Community College. “We build little pillars for the kids so they can do their own murals,” he said. “It’s for kids from elementary through high school; sometimes parents get involved. We do arts and crafts projects like medicine bags and headdresses. We try to keep it exciting all day.”

The annual lowriders’ show, organized by San Diego’s Amigos Car Club, features 350 vehicles. Ochoa, who’s involved in the club, said participants come from both sides of the border. “For the last 40 years, lowriders have been instrumental in bringing the community together. It’s an important part of the celebration.”

Adding to the festivities will be food and arts & crafts vendors and informational booths.

MUSIC

Here are just a few of the many talented acts at the celebration: (K is for Kiosko; M for Music Stage)

Pachuco Jose y Los Diamantes (M, 2:15 p.m.): Decked out in zoot suits, these L.A. musicians mash up many styles from the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Pearl Ayon (M, 3:05 p.m.): San Diego’s self-described “first lady of Latin soul and R&B” was the 2009 Grand Prize Winner in the local finals for Karaoke Entertainer of the Year.